The Commanders addressed several positions of need on Day 2 of the NFL draft Friday, adding five players at key roles — including cornerback, tight end and offensive line — for the rebuilding roster.
Washington’s busy night began at pick 36 as the Commanders drafted former Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton.
The 21-year-old played four seasons at Illinois, earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors and recording 7.5 sacks in his senior season. Newton joins an array of new defensive linemen for the Commanders — the franchise signed edge rushers Dorace Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. this offseason.
Draft analysts viewed the 300-pounder as a fringe first-round player with the ability to make an immediate impact. NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein highlighted Newton’s athleticism and pass-rushing ability but noted that he could improve his block-shedding.
Washington was originally slated for pick No. 40 but traded the selection to the rival Philadelphia Eagles. In return, the Commanders added two more second-round picks, the 50th and 53rd overall selections.
With the 50th pick, the Commanders selected former Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil. The ball-hawking slot cornerback recorded six interceptions in 2023, second-best in the nation, en route to a national championship with the Wolverines.
The 5-foot-9-inch corner joins a young secondary group that needs depth. Kendall Fuller left the Commanders in free agency and 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes struggled in his rookie season.
Ben Sinnott, a tight end from Kansas State, joined Washington with the 53rd pick. The 21-year-old provides versatility for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury — he lined up at fullback, in the slot and at wide receiver in college.
Sinnott joins a franchise that has struggled to find production at tight end in recent years. Logan Thomas, Washington’s former starter at the position, retired this offseason after struggling with injuries. The Commanders added 33-year-old Zach Ertz this offseason, but he’s nearing the end of his illustrious career. Sinnott has a path to the field if he adapts to NFL competition.
In his final season at Kansas State, Sinnott racked up 49 catches for 676 yards and six receiving touchdowns. He also found paydirt as a rusher in 2021 while lined up at fullback.
The Commanders added their first offensive lineman of the draft when they selected Brandon Coleman with the 67th pick. Coleman was a three-year starter at TCU, joining the Horned Frogs after starting his college career at Trinity Valley Community College.
The Virginia native was raised in Germany and grew up playing basketball — the 300-pound guard didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school. The Athletic named Coleman to its “Freaks” list before the 2023 season — he can squat 600 pounds and boasts a 34-inch vertical leap.
Washington ended the night by adding Luke McCaffrey with pick No. 100, the final section in the third round. The 23-year-old recorded 71 catches for 993 yards and 13 touchdowns in his final season at Rice. The younger brother of San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey started his college career as a quarterback at Nebraska.
McCaffrey will catch passes from new quarterback Jayden Daniels, whom the Commanders selected with pick No. 2 on Thursday night.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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